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PATENTED JAN. 5, 1904.

J. I. AYBR. APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING CURRENT SUPPLY T0 ELEGTRICALLY HEATED TOOLS.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 1, 1903.

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PATENTBD JAN. 5, 1904.

L1. AYER.

APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING CURRENT SUPPLY TO ELEOTRIOALLY.

HEATED TOOLS.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 1. 1903.

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No. 748,572. PATENTED JAN. 5, 1904.

J. 1. AYER. APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING CURRENT SUPPLY TO ELBGTRIGALLY HEATED TOOLS.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 1. 1903. N0 MODEL. 7 4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

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No. 748,572. PATENTED JAN. 5, 1904.

J. I. AYEE.

APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING CURRENT SUPPLY TO ELEOTRICALLY HEATED TOOLS.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 1, 1903.

N0 MODEL. 4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

622 J0 46' a C5 4 a M 48 L 'w,eZrc&$se-s fienezarn UNITED STATES Patented January 5, 1904.

PATENT OFFICE.

JAMES I. AYER, OF CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TO SIMPLEX ELECTRIC HEATING COMPANY, OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, A CORPO- RATION OF MASSACHUSETTS.

APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING CURRENT-SUPPLY TO ELECTRlCALLY-HEATED TOOLS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 748,572, dated January 5, 1904.

Application filed June 1,1908. Serial No. 159.411. (No model.)

To all whom, it may concern:

Be it known that I, JAMES LAYER, of Cambridge, county of Middlesex, State of Massachusetts, have invented an Improvement in.

Apparatus for Controlling Current-Supply to Electrically-Heated Tools, of which the following description, in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a specification, like letters on the drawings representing like IO parts.

My invention has for its object the provision of means for supplying varying amounts of current to an electrically-heated tool or similar device under different conditions, ac-

cording to the requirements thereof. It is desirable to have a maximum current in many tools when in actual use, but a minimum current when out of use, and to have this result secured automatically and in connection with a rheostat which may be placed on the wall or at other convenient fixed location. Accordingly I have hereinafter shown and described preferred embodiments for accomplishing this result in connection with automatic switches located in the tool or in the stand for the tool.

In the drawings, Figure l is a view, in side elevation and partly diagrammatic, showing a simple embodiment of my invention. Fig.

2 is a similar View showing a more complex form of the apparatus. Figs. 3 to 5 are similar views showing other forms of my invention in which an automatic tool-switch and also stand-switch are em bodied.

For convenience of illustration I have shown herein a flat-iron and have provided the same with a handle-switch operating substantially as shown in my application for Letters Patent Serial No. 152,589, and have also shown a stand having a make-and-break device of the kind shown in my Patent. No. 723,633, although it will be understood that my invention is not restricted to any particular kind of tool, appurtenances thereof, or

other accessory or electric device.

Referring to Fig. 1, where the simplest embodiment of my invention is shown, it will be seen that I have provided on the wall or other convenient place a rheostat a in series with a line-wire a a, and herein shown as provided with a handle a connected by a wire a to the tool-handle a whose contacts a (carried by the spring a and actuated by a lever a upon being depressed complete a circuit from said handle by means of a wire at leading to the tool 2i, with the opposite linewire a By reason of the aforesaid mechanism it will be seen that so long as the tool remains in use, and hence the handle-switch held in operative position, the rheostat a will be more or less in circuit, according to the position of the rheostat-arm; but as soon as the tool is placed on its stand 3 or whenever it ceases to be grasped by the operator the entire rheostat will be in series with the tool, because of the breaking of the auxiliary circuit. This cuts down the current supplied the tool, but permits the full heating-current to be supplied when required for use. By having a sectional. rheostat, as shown, the tool may be operated with any portion of the rheostat desired, so as to vary the amount of current according to different kinds of work. The circuits, however, are such that whenever the handle is released all the resistance is thrown into series with the tool, irrespective of the position of the rheostat-arm. It will be understood that I have shown the switch in the tool as a preferred form, although it might be located elsewhere, where similar results of automatic control would be effected, so far as the broader claims of this specification are concerned, in any of the ways known to the art.

In the remaining figures I have shown devices for employing electromagnets for operating main-line switches in connection with the rheostats, and in Figs. 3 to 5 I have provided the rheostatoperating mechanism in connection with the tool support or stand instead of directly in the tool itself, the toolswitch being used forcutting out the current entirely.

Referring to Fig. 2, I have shown the cutting in and out of the rheostat as accomplished by an automatic switch preferably located adjacent to or in connection with the rheostat and consisting of an electromagnet whose core a has an enlarged end surface 0. to cooperate with an extended armature area a said armature being pivoted at a and carrying at its opposite end switchcontacts a for operating a shunt-switch connected by a wire a, and a in shunt to allor a portion of the rheostat as determined by the position of the rheostat-arm 0. The magnet is energized upon closing the tool-switch, to which a wire a leads from said magnet, so that, for example, when the tool is placed in actual use the shunt-switch is automatically closed, so as to cut out all or a part of the resistance as determined by the position of the rheostat-arm, and thus turn the working current through the electric heater or tool. When the tool-handle is released. the circuit through the magnet is opened, thereby placing all of the rheostat again in series with the tool. I prefer to have the switch in the tool or connected therewith, as shown, although, as already stated, it could be elsewhere, the idea being that when the tool is to be used the auxiliary circuit or, as shown herein, the shunt-circuit shall be energized, so as to cut out all or a part of the rheostat, as described above, and if this is accomplished by an automatic switch in the stand said switch would simply close the circuit upon removal of the tool therefrom for use, and upon replacing the tool thereon the switch would be opened for restoring the rheostat in series with the tool. In Figs. 3 to 5 Ihave shown a switch in the tool and also in the stand, Figs. 3 and 4 showing, respectively, a shunt-magnet and a series magnet operating switches which require to be restored by hand and Fig. 5 showing a switch restored automatically by operation of the magnetcircuit.

Referring to Fig. 3 for further details, it will be seen that the stand sis provided with a closing device 0, for automatically operating the tool-switch lever a for opening the auxiliary circuit (shown as a shunt-circuit) by means of a wire at, including a magnet 64 for operating a tripping-armature a to engage a detent a and release a gravity-switch 06 in the main service-wire a. The toolstand contains an automatic switch a, connected by a wire a to the main a and shown as including in its circuit the rheostat-arm by the wire 0. In this construction the stand-switch, it will be observed, operates to cut the rh eostat in or outofthe circuit, as previously described, for the tool-switch, the placing of the tool on the stand in the position shown serving to break the circuit 0/ e at the switch a, and hence introduce the rheostat into the heating-circuit of the iron and the removal of the iron for use serving to complete circuit a 60 at the switch a, so as to cut out the rheostat, as explained above, and turn the current through the tool as required for use, the circuit for the tool being then complete from the main a through the tool to the main a and thence to the circuit a (L29 0. rheostatarm (it switch c and main a. Upon ceasing to use the tool, and thereby letting go of the handle a the sh nut-circuit a of the mag net is energized, and thereupon the switch a is operated to cut out the current entirely. This construction of apparatus is of particular advantage in high-voltage work or in heaters using a large amount of current, where it would be difficult to build a substantial and suitable switch located as shown in Figs. land 2. The devices of the latter figures are intended for articles carrying small currents; but when heavy currents are required the form of apparatus shown in Fig. 3 is preferable, as the full current can never reach the tool-switch. It will be understood that the opening of the main-line circuit by a magnet in circuit with a tool-switch may be accomplished by arranging the parts in different locations from those herein shown, and accordingly in the broad claim for this feature I wish it understood that I do not restrict myself to this preferred arrangement.

In Fig. 4 I have shown an electromagnet a in series, being connected by a wire a to a wire a, leading to the tool-switch, and a wire a leading to the stand-switch a and thence by wire a to the rheostat-arm a the rheostat connecting in series at one end to a gravity-switch C038 by a wire a and at its other end by a wire a to the switch-wires (L35 a. In this construction the magnet is in series with the circuit-supplying tool, and whenever the tool-switch is in operative position for rendering the tool efficient for use the gravity-switch 61 11136 be closed by hand, thereby closing the tool-circuit, permitting the current thereof to energize the magnet 64 for ietaining the switch (1' closed. Upon releasing the tool-switch handle a the magnetwindings are thereby short circuited, releasing the magnet-armature and opening the gravity-switch, which cuts out all current from the tool. As before, the rheostat is cut in and out of the heatingcireuit of the tool by the automatic stand-switch, the tool when placed as shown in the drawings serving to break the circuit at the switch (1 thereby introducing the rheostat into the heating-circuit, which would then be from the main a through the iron to the wire a 1naguetwinding through the rheostat to the gravity-switch, and thence to the feed-wire a, and upon removing the iron the rheostat is immediately cut out from the heating-circuit, as previously described, which would then consist of the main wire a through the tool to the line-wire a, magnet-winding wire a, wire a switch a wire a to arm a to the gravityswitch c0 and thence to the feed-wire rt.

In Fig. 5 I have shown a shunt-magnet (0 always in circuit with the mains whenever the tool-switch or stand-switch is closed and in connection therewith an armature a of the general construction shown in Fig. 2 for operating a main switch a between a main IIO wire a and a rheostat-wire a thence through the rheostat-arm to a wire a, leading to the switch (1 and thence by wire 0& to the heating device, the rheostat leading across these two wires a" 0, while the magnet-winding is connected by a wire a to the tool-switch. In the construction of Figs. 3 and 4 the mainline switch would be closed by hand, being automatically opened by the release of the lever of the tool-handle switch or equivalent mechanism; but by the arrangement of circuits in Fig. 5 the magnet a is thrown in shunt across the main line through the toolhandle switch, so that when the latter is in operative position for permitting the tool to be used the shunt-circuit is closed, thereby automatically maintaining the main switch a closed, and hence supplying the full current to the iron in case the latter is in use or supplying the said current cut down by the introduction of the resistance of the rheostat in case the iron is not in use and is on the stand, as shown, While acting as an automatic circuit-breaker to cut out all the current in case the iron is carelessly left, so as to permit the handle-lever a to fly out. Upon restoring the tool-switch to operative position the main switch c0 is automatically closed by the energizing of the magnet (1 the latter being given ample power for this purpose by reason of the extended pole-piece and cooperative armature.

I have already described the operation of each form of my invention in connection with the description of the construction thereof. I provide in each instance means for introducing the resistance of a stationary or independent rheostat into the heating-circuit by a portable tool or other article being heated whenever the tool is not used or whenever the normalconditions thereof are such as to make it desirable to have a minimum current, and I provide means forintroducing a maximum current or full heating effect whenever the tool is in use, and hence requires the same, the means for effecting these results being automatic and directly connected with the tool itself or its appurtenances. Also in case of tools or other devices consuming heavy currents I provide means for cutting out the current entirely under certain conditions, while permitting all the apparatus excepting the switches themselves to be located at any fixed point or in any desired manner outside of and away from the tool and stand.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In an apparatus of the kind described, a portable translating device, and a stationary resistance on the wall or elsewhere always re" rs O circuit with said translating device when the latter is not in use and cutting said resistance out of circuit therewith when said translating device is in use.

2. In an apparatus of the kind described, a portable translating device, and a stationary resistance on the wall or elsewhere always remote from said translating device, electric circuits for supplying full current directly to said translating device, or reduced current thereto through said resistance, and automatic means operating in connection with said translating device for introducing said resistance into circuit with said translating device when the latter is not in use and cutting said resistance out of circuit therewith when said translating device is in use.

3. In an apparatus of the kind described, a portable translating device, a resistance, circuits therefor, means fol-introducing said resistance into circuit with said translating device when the latter is in a predetermined normal position out of use, means for cutting said resistance out of circuit therewith when said translating device is in use, and means forautomatically cutting out the currentfrom said translating device when the latter is left out of use and out of said normal position.

4. In an apparatus of the kind described, a portable translating device, a resistance, circuits therefor, means for introducing said resistance into circuit with said translating device when the latter is in a predetermined normal position out of use, means for cutting said resistance out of circuit therewith when said translating device is in use, means for automatically cutting out the current from said translating device when the latter is left out of use and out of said normal position, and means for automatically restoring said translating device into circuit with said resistance upon being placed in said normal position.

5. In an apparatus of the kind described, a portable translating device, a resistance, circuits therefor, means for introducing said resistance into circuit with said translating device when the latter is in a predetermined normal position out of use, means for cutting said resistance out of circuit therewith when said translating device is in use, means for automatically cutting out the current from said translating device when the latter is left out of use and out of said normal position, and means for restoring at will said translating device into circuit with said resistance.

6. In an apparatus of the kind described, a source of current-supply, a translating device, a resistance, circuits therefor, a main switch for controlling the supply of current to said circuits, means operated by current in the latter for actuating said switch, and means operating in connection with said translating device for governing the current in said circuits.

7. In an apparatus of the kind described, a source of current-supply, a translating device, a resistance, circuits therefor, a main switch for controlling the supply of current to said circuits, means operated by current in the latter for actuating said switch, and a translating-device switch for operating said actuating means.

8. In an apparatus of the kind described, a source of current-supply, a translating device, a resistance, circuits therefor, a main switch for controlling the supply of current to said circuits, means operated by current in thelatter for actuating said switch, a translating-device switch for operating said actuating means, and a switch operated by said translating device for cutting said resistance into or out of circuit therewith according to the position of the translating device.

9. In an apparatus of the kind described, a source of current-supply, a translating device, a resistance, circuits therefor, and an automatic switch for cutting said resistance into circuitwith said translating device when out of use, and out of circuit with said translating device when the latter is out of use, and means for operating said switch arranged to be automatically operated by the placing in or out of use of said translating device.

10. In an apparatus of the kind described, a source of current-supply, a portable translating device, a sectional resistance on the wall or elsewhere always remote from said translating device, circuits therefor, means operating in connection with said translating device for introducing said translating device into series with the resistance-circuit when said translating device is out of use and for cutting out said resistance-circuit when the translating device is in use, and manuallycontrolled means for placing a portion of said resistance when desired in series with said translating device when in use.

11. In an apparatus of the kind described, a portable translating device, a supply-circuit for heating the same, a resistance on the wall or elsewhere always remote from said translating device, and automatic means for cutting said resistance into and out of series with said circuit, said automatic means be ing carried by said translating device and operating to out said resistance out of said circuit when said translating device is in use, and to place said resistance in said circuit when said translating device is out of use.

12. In an apparatus of the kind described, a portable translating device, a supply-circuit for heating the same, a stand for said translating device, a resistance remote from said stand and translating device, an automatic switch connected with said stand and operated by the placing thereon or removal therefrom of said translating device, said standswitch operating to out said resistance into series with said heatingcircuit when the translating device is out of use and out of circuit therewith when in use.

13. In an apparatus of the kind described, a portable translating device, a supply-circuit for heating the same, an automatic switch carried by said translating device, a stand for the latter, a resistance, an automatic switch connected with said stand and operated by the placing thereon or removal therefrom of said translating device, said stand-switch operating to out said resistance into series with said heating-circuit when the translating device is outof use and out of circuit therewith when in use, and said translating device switch controlling the current-supply in said heating-circuit.

14. In an apparatus of the kind described, a portable translating device, a supply-circuit for heating the same, an automatic switch carried by said translating device, a stand for the latter, a resistance, an automatic switch connected with said stand and operated by the placing thereon or rem oval therefrom of said translating device, said stand-switch operating to out said resistance into series with said heating-circuit when the translating device is out of use and out of circuit therewith when in use, said translating-device switch tending normally to cut out the heating-current, and said stand being provided with means for preventing the same.

15. In an apparatus of the kind described, a portable translating device, a supply-circuit for heating the same, a main switch in said circuit, a circuit-breaker for operating said switch, a resistance, connections from said resistance to said heating-circuit, a switch carried by said translating device for operating said circuit-breaker, a stand for said translating device and means connected with said stand and operated by the placing thereon or removal therefrom of said translating device for cutting said resistance into or out of series with said translating device.

16. In an apparatus of the kind described, a portable translating device, a heating-circuit therefor, a main switch in said heating-circuit, an electromagnet operated by current from said circuit, a resistance, astand for said translating device, an automatic switch connected with said stand and operated by the placing on said stand of said translating device, connections from said automatic switch for placing said resistance in series with said heating-circuit when said translating device is on the stand, and for cutting out said resistance when the translating device is removed from said stand, and means operating in connection with said translating device for controlling the current to said magnet for operating said main switch.

17. In an apparatus of the kind described, a portable translating device, a heating-circuit therefor, a main switch in said circuit, an electromaguet foroperatingsaid main switch, a shunt-circuit across said switch for energizing said magnet and an automatic switch operating in connection with said translating device for controlling the current-supply in said shunt-circuit.

18. In an apparatus of the kind described, a

portable translating device, a heating-circuit therefor, a main switch in said circuit, an electromagnet for operating said main switch, a shunt-circuit across said switch for energizing said magnet, an automatic switch operating in connection with said translating device for controlling the current-supply in said shunt-circuit, a resistance adapted to be placed in or out of series with said heatingcircuit as desired, an automatic means operating in connection with said translating device for rendering said resistance operative when the translating, device is out of use, and inoperative when the translating device is in use.

19. In an apparatus of the kind described, a portable translating device, a main-line circuit for supplying current thereto, a stationary current-control devicein said circuit, and

means for automatically operating said currentcontrol device, the operation of said means depending upon the position of said translating device.

20. In an apparatus of the kind described, a portable translating device, a main-line circuit for supplying current thereto, a stationary circuit-breaker in said circuit, and automatic means carried by said translating device for automatically operating said circuitbreaker irrespective of the location of the translating device.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

J AS. I. AYER.

Witnesses:

STEPHEN E. WOODBURY, DORA A. Pnoorron. 

